Steam Train Driving Experience – Drive the Spice Steam Train

Imagine the thrill of taking control of a living, breathing steam engine. 

Well now you can! 

And it’s a Spice exclusive day. We have booked a full day for a group of up to 8 people to drive a full-size steam train on the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire, the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway, complete with traditional signals and stations, it's the stuff of childhood dreams...

Our train will be a steam locomotive and coaches.

We will work in pairs driving the locomotive and each pair has a round trip of 16 miles (8 miles each way). There are 4 round trips over the day. When not on the footplate, you will be able to travel in the coaches as our train travels up and down the preserved railway.

About the Great Central Railway: The heritage railway exists today because a group of determined volunteers, back in 1969, following closure by British Railways, wanted the line to be saved to recreate the experience of main line steam for generations to come. Today we proudly cherish and develop their legacy as a contemporary visitor attraction to educate, entertain and bring value to our local communities. As the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway, we are the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails.

As well as driving the package includes

Tea/Coffee in the morning

A guided tour of the loco works

Lunch (Traditional Breakfast or Afternoon Tea)

A visit to Loughborough Signal Box